Andrographis: complete India guide

India has one of the highest rates of micronutrient deficiency in the world — and the supplement market is growing fast to meet it. But with hundreds of products on Amazon.in and little regulation, knowing what to actually buy is harder than it should be. This guide covers Andrographis from first principles: what it is, what the evidence says, and how to use it safely in an Indian context.

What is Andrographis?

Andrographis paniculata is an annual herb native to India and Sri Lanka, widely used in Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese

Andrographis is relevant for anyone dealing with Sore throat. It primarily acts on the Respiratory tract.

How does Andrographis work?

Andrographolide exerts immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral effects. It inhibits NF-κB and COX-2

Who should take Andrographis?

Adults seeking evidence-based herbal support for cold, flu, and upper respiratory tract infections. Also used in some

The typical dose is 500-1000 mg/day of standardized extract (4-6% andrographolide). Divided into 2-3 doses

Safety and who should avoid it

Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. May cause allergic reactions including anaphylaxis in rare cases. Use caution

Always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement, particularly if you are on prescription medication or have an existing health condition.

How to combine Andrographis

Andrographis works well alongside echinacea. The Ayurvedic tradition has long used kalmegh, guduchi for similar purposes — these can complement rather than replace each other.

Buying guide for India

When shopping on Amazon.in, prioritise products that clearly state:

• The standardised active compound percentage
• Third-party testing (NSF, USP, or Informed Sport)
• The form of Andrographis (extract vs whole herb vs isolate)
• Vegetarian capsule certification if that matters to you

Generic “natural” or “herbal” labels without standardisation information are a red flag. The price difference between a well-made and a poorly-made Andrographis supplement is often small — the difference in efficacy is not.

Bottom line

Andrographis has Key citations: PMID 19678671 (Poolsup 2004, URTI meta-analysis), PMID 21292386 (Coon 2004, Cochrane for Sore throat. Used consistently at the right dose, it is a reasonable addition to a wellness protocol for those dealing with these concerns.